18a 



Noteworthy Indiana Phanerogams. By Stanley Cuui.tek. 



The ruling of the directors of the Survey that no form should be admitted to 

 the catalogue of the flora of the State unless veritied by actual specimens has led 

 me as far as possible to secure first exceptional forms of limited range, in the hope 

 that by a publication of the data concerning them the attention of collectors might 

 be directed to them, and our knowledge of their distribution within the State be 

 increased. The most notable collection of these exceptional forms that has come 

 into the possession of the Survey was that received from Kev. E. .J. Hill, of Engle- 

 wood, 111., embracing 163 species. All of the specimens were of extreme interest, 

 and many of them represented the sole record for the State. The following notes 

 are based very largely upon this collection, and most of the forms represent a 

 southern extension of northern forms. It should be remembered, however, that, 

 until we have a full knowledge of the isotherms of our country, statements as to 

 " southern limit ' and " northern limit " are merely terms of convenience, and do 

 not necessarily involve any real extension of range. 



A fuller knowledge of natural drainage systems, of prevailing winds at vary- 

 ing seasons and of numerous other physical conditions is necessary before we can 

 properly undertake a definite limitation of the range of any plant form. In a 

 limited area, in which there is a definite organization of work, it is possible to 

 determine many of these conditions and by their record add much to the ease 

 with which some of the problems of geographical distribution may be solved. 



Another feature emphasized by this paper is the extreme importance of long- 

 continued collections in the same region. The work of Mr. Hill in Lake County 

 covers a period of twenty years and has resulted not only in the addition of many 

 new forms to the State flora but in a thorough botanical knowledge of that portion 

 of the State. The work of Mr. Van Gorder in Noble County, extending through 

 ten year's, has shown similar results. Many problems which present themselves 

 can only be solved by work of this kind. The tendency of collectors in the past 

 work of the State has been to cover large areas, rather than to study closely some 

 definite regions. Closer attention should be given by all collectors throughout the 

 State to mass distribution, as distinguished from the station at which the collec- 

 tion is made, and also to the collection of fruiting specimens. 



A somewhat careful study of our State flora leads me to believe that many 

 forms may be added if a more careful study is made of our marsh and lake forms 

 and of those groups which are of difficult discrimination. Special studies should 

 also be made iluring the coming season of definitely characterized regions, as, for 



